Marcus Carver is on the hunt for his first League Two goal – and signing a contract extension until 2014 means he can be patient.

The Great Harwood teenager, whose current contract was due to run out at the end of this season. has put pen to paper on a longer deal.

And while he has the security of a new deal, his aim remains the same – to make a big impression in the Stanley first team.

The 19-year-old was on loan at Marine earlier this season, scoring 10 goals in 16 appearances.

The aim now is to produce this form for Stanley after one start and a number of appearances off the bench for the Reds this season.

"I am just glad I have shown to the gaffer that I am worth another shot and another contract." said local lad Carver.

"Obviously I have had a couple of chances since I have come back from being on loan and I am looking for more.

"I have got a full game under my belt, a 45 minutes and some minutes here and there.

"I just want to get in the first team every game near enough and get more minutes under my belt."

But Carver, who has come through the youth system at the Crown Ground. is aware he will have to be patient – but will use his time wisely, learning off the likes of experienced frontmen James Beattie and Rommy Boco.

"I have got to wait and bide my time and, when I get my chance, grab it and keep my place. All I can do is perform to the best I can.

"The gaffer has got to choose you but, if he doesn’t, you have got to be knocking on his door and asking for a chance.

"All I can do is keep learning – I am learning something new every day in training, different things from different people in different positions.

"James is great. When I play with him on the pitch, he is talking to me all the time and when I come on to replace him, there is a slight delay and he just tells me a bit about what is happening. Obviously it all helps."

Carver admits his spell at Marine in the Evo-Stik League has been vital to his progress.

"I have been playing in non-league and, not putting the league down, but it is more aggressive," he said.

"You have to be able to put it about and so I have had to match them and it has helped me, it has made me stronger.

"Mind you, I think my first game coming back from Marine was against Plymouth and I was straight up against Darren Purse and he is a unit!

"But all I can do is learn more, get stronger and see what happens."

And he is hoping that elusive first league goal isn’t far away.

"People keep saying to me ‘when are you going to score?’ and it is something I am thinking about," he added.

"I am sure my chance will come – I am getting in the right positions, more time on the pitch and am gaining in confidence. It’s bound to come.

"I watch DVDs of me scoring for Marine and for the youth team and, I know it is a different level, but I just want to get my first league goal for Accrington and push on from there."